After last year’s event, on 13 June 2022, AfrikaBurn was informed by the acting commander of the Ceres FCS (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences) unit that a case had been opened by an AfrikaBurn participant following a STAR (Sexual Trauma, Assault and Rape) incident on Monday 2 May 2022, reported as happening in the vicinity of the Quaggafontein event site. 

AfrikaBurn was appalled and deeply saddened about this incident happening within our community, the incident was not known to AfrikaBurn until the Ceres FCS unit made contact.

Following our STAR response protocols, AfrikaBurn extended an offer of support through Ceres FCS to the survivor and their family and was able to convey our care and concern directly. AfrikaBurn has been assisting fully with the investigation since last year and was asked by SAPS to withhold any public statement, pending the conclusion of their inquiries. It was confirmed to us by Ceres FCS on 9 March that the accused has been arrested and is due in court later this month.

Consent is fundamental to the ethos of the AfrikaBurn event, our community and the entire organisation. We have reviewed our operational protocols and policies in detail for the 2023 AfrikaBurn event, as well as the site planning of Tankwa Town in light of this incident. 

At AfrikaBurn, we remain fully committed to our principle of Civic Responsibility and take a firm position against any violation of rights and/or safety. Our ongoing Participant Orientation and Education Programme, speaks directly to personal safety and consent in the AfrikaBurn community and the prevention of any other STAR incidents in the future.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding this incident or personal safety at AfrikaBurn, please email [email protected]. All enquiries are confidential.